Winnetka trustees want more info on unregulated THC products

Citing a need for further deliberation, Winnetka officials deferred a decision on an amendment to village code that would prohibit the sale of certain THC products and kratom.

Winnetka Police Chief Brian O’Connell presented to the Village Council on April 15 to highlight what he described in a village memo as the “rise in availability and use of unregulated THC derivatives and kratom products within the community.”

O’Connell, during his brief presentation to the board, detailed the risks associated with products that contain synthetic or chemically altered forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly called THC) and kratom.

Those products, O’Connell said, can be found in local convenience stores, gas stations, vape shops and online marketplaces at a higher rate. Of further concern, the products are not subject to the same quality control and safety standards as legally produced cannabis products, O’Connell told trustees.

“This means they may contain unknown or harmful ingredients — they may not, but they may,” O’Connell said, adding that they also could be contaminated and may not be accurately labeled as well.

Notably, Winnetka has also experienced an uptick in the availability and use of unregulated THC derivatives, as well as kratom products, within the community, per O’Connell.

When asked by trustees, O’Connell confirmed there is one store in town that is currently selling a THC synthetic. The retailer, identified by O’Connell as Lakeside Foods, limits the purchase of those products to individuals over the age of 21 and keeps the products stored behind a secured cabinet, per O’Connell.

Later in the meeting, O’Connell cited concerns about the way the products are marketed and the high volume of young adults who frequent the immediate area.

“I see kids over here all the time going in and out of these stores, which is great but they’re also seeing these products on the shelves,” he said. “And when they’re manufactured and look like gummy bears and vitamins and things like that, it’s a concern of mine about where it’s going.”

Several locals addressed the board during the public-comment portion of the meeting requesting amendments to the proposed ordinance that would regulate, as opposed to ban, kratom.

Trustees quickly reached a group consensus that they needed additional time to think through any potential decision on the matter.

“I don’t feel like tonight I can make a decision on this,” Trustee Bridget Orsic said, adding that she needs more information before she is “able to make a really thoughtful decision.”

Similarly, Trustee Rob Apatoff said he was not in favor of reaching a decision Tuesday night.

It’s unclear when the item will return to the council’s agenda for further consideration. The council will soon be under new leadership as Trustee Bob Dearborn will take over as village president next month.

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